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Veneers or crowns restore worn teethDear Dr. Reitz: My daughter and I were shopping for dresses for her wedding, while looking in the mirror I realized how worn my front teeth look next to hers. The edges are chipping and there are spaces between some of the teeth. I am 57 and have always had regular dental visits, so I know my teeth are healthy. Can anything be done to make my teeth look younger so my daughter and I both have beautiful smiles on her wedding day? - June Dear June: Teeth are made of dentin with a hard coating of enamel. As many people age, the enamel coating on the edges of their front teeth wears off, exposing the dentin. Until the dentin is exposed the teeth usually wear slowly and evenly, but once exposed the edges of the teeth usually chip and wear is accelerated. To regain a beautiful smile, I would first suggest tooth whitening because white teeth look clean and healthy. Depending on the extent of the wear, it may be possible to rebuild the teeth using composite bonding. Composite restorative material can be applied to the edges and sides of the teeth to restore length and fill in the gaps between the teeth. Composite can only be used if there is adequate space between the upper and lower front teeth. Restoring the front teeth with composite is the most cost effective and quick way to change your smile. In most cases the material will last for a few years before wearing or chipping off. The disadvantage of composite is that it can dull over time and cannot be used if your dentist finds inadequate space. If there is inadequate space, or if you are looking for a more permanent material, porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns may be your best choice. Porcelain is stronger, more aesthetically pleasing than composite and allows the dentist more flexibility in cases of inadequate space. The difference between porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns is the amount of tooth structure that must be removed prior to taking the impression.Both veneers and crowns are made of porcelain by a dental lab and then cemented or bonded onto the teeth at a later date.Using porcelain will require at least four to six weeks of additional lab time to complete the work. Advances in porcelain technology have developed very thin, strong veneers that can be applied to the teeth, often without removing any tooth structure. In cases of extensive wear, it is often necessary to reduce the tooth and fabricate a crown instead of a veneer. This column is written by John Reitz, DDS, and does not represent the opinion of the Pennsylvania State Dental Board. Dr Reitz answers questions from readers. E-mail them via his Web site at reitzdds.com or mail to John Reitz, DDS, 30 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing PA 19610 John
V. Reitz, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. Copyright
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